Realising opportunities has always been the Corinthia way. Insider+ profiles a young star of operations in Khartoum.
When Corinthia Hotel Khartoum opened in 2008, Tasneem Abdelrahim was 14 years old. Born in Sudan’s second largest city of Omdurman, she was the fourth of seven children, and from an early age, making the most of the opportunities available to her was second nature. At school she studied hard, and later was accepted at Khartoum’s Alzaem Alazhari University, where she completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning in 2015.
With her natural communications skills, rather than pursue work in the public sector Tasneem felt the hospitality industry a better fit, and started her career at Corinthia Hotel Khartoum as a Trainee Event Assistant in October 2016. Within days, it was clear to her colleagues that she was excelling. With exceptional people-skills, and a natural ability to solve problems, Tasneem was the perfect fit to move into a full-time role, servicing guests in the hotel’s Executive Club Lounge. Having made her mark, soon she was promoted to the post of Guest Relations Executive.
“If you work hard with Corinthia I feel the the sky’s the limit. Every day in my job I feel is a new adventure.”
Bernard Mercier, GM of Corinthia Hotel Khartoum, describes Tasneem’s rise through the ranks as a phenomenal feat. “In a very short time she became a highly valued member of our team. Tasneem epitomises what guest relations should be about – going the extra mile, showing care and consideration beyond what a guest would normally expect. “She’s such an asset for us, and her warmth and vitality – and of course her attitude to life – are key to her success.”
In July this year, 24-year-old Tasneem was promoted to Guest Relations Manager and it’s not going to be her last promotion. “Anything related to customer service – it could be reception, or housekeeping, I don’t mind,” she says, when asked where she wants to go next. “Interacting with guests is what I enjoy most, and I want to share that enthusiasm with my colleagues. Corinthia has been so supportive. They’ve made me me feel part of a family, and there is always someone around to help.”
“Tasneem epitomises what guest relations should be about – going the extra mile, showing care and consideration beyond what a guest would normally expect.
Tasneem is keen to develop her language skills (she’s planning to study French, German and Italian in her spare time), and says cross-training in sales and finance are areas she’d like to pursue. “If you work hard with Corinthia I feel the sky’s the limit. Every day in my job I feel is a new adventure. I’m very keen to travel, to see other places, to meet new people and experience new cultures. Perhaps with Corinthia that’s possible.” In Sudan, a new generation of citizens like Tasneem, are helping to create change and a better future. Tasneem Abdelrahim is making her mark; watch this space.
This is just one of many similar stories about the Corinthia family – where true passion and a commitment to excel embodies the Company’s purpose: uplifting the lives of its people, and its guests.
Find out more about Corinthia Hotel Khartoum
